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Clinical Akena triumphs at 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Golf Open

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2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Golf Open (After 72 Holes)

Champion: Joseph Reagan Akena – 73, 73, 71, 70 (287)

Runners up: Joseph Cwinya-ai – 72, 73, 73. 70 (288)

2^nd Runners up: Titus Okwong – 73, 77, 68, 73 (291)

4^th: Ibrahim Ssemakula – 78, 71, 75, 73 (297)

5^th: Michael Tumusiime – 74, 74, 75, 75 (298)

Joseph Reagan Akena is the golfing man of the moment in Uganda.

The 19-year-old Lugazi Hills and Country Club member, also a national team player triumphed at the 83^rd edition of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Amateurs Open in Entebbe.

At dawn on Saturday, 31^st August 2024 Akena inked his name in the rich history books of the Open, arguably the biggest golf championship on the land since 1932.

Akena smiled to victory with a successful half-meter putt on the 18^th hole before hundreds of fans after his closest challenger Joseph Cwinya-ai had fumbled.

In grueling 72 holes’ action played over four days, Akena amassed a total of 287 gross; opening with an identical 2-over 73 score in the first two rounds, playing level on the third day to take the overall leaderboard and a 1-under-70 score on the final day.

“I am excited to win the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Amateurs Open. It comes as a surprise since my objective was initially a top-three finish. As the tournament grew, I believed in myself and I am glad to be the champion,” Akena remarked with a grin.

Overall, Akena played a total of 12 birdies in 72 holes with 45 pars and 15 bogeys throughout the entire tournament.

The S5 student of Juliana High School in Lugazi dedicated this victory to his parents, coaches, fellow players, and members at Lugazi Hills and Country Club.

“It has been a tough week. When I came here (in Entebbe), I knew I would be among the top cream of players and I worked hard for the trophy that I dedicate to my parents, coaches, fellow players, and members at Lugazi. I will return to school to complete my A-Level as I also continue to play golf,” he added.

Joseph Cwinya-ai, the 2022 winner, took the runners-up slot with 288 gross in 4 rounds.

Titus Okwong finished third with 291 while Ibrahim Ssemakula (297) and Michael Tumusiime (298) were fourth and fifth respectively.

The top ten who partook of the Ugx 15,000,000 cash prize were completed by Abdul Kakeeto (301), 2023 winner Godfrey Nsubuga (301), Adel Balala (301), Ibrahim Bagalana (303), and Samuel Bazaale (303).

This year’s amateur open was graced by 120 players in the gross category from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan, and Rwanda.

Coming up is the Pro-Am event this Tuesday, 3rd September ahead of the Ugx 150,000,000 professional open that will commence on Wednesday, 4th September, and climax on Saturday, 7th September 2024.

Johnnie Walker is the headline sponsor of the Uganda Golf Open.

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